Philippines police orders officers to lose weight or lose job within one year

A stern warning has been issued to overweight officers in the Philippine National Police (PNP) as the new police chief, Gen. Nicolas Torre III, announced that officers who fail to shed excess weight within a year will be removed from service.

This was made known during a radio interview on dzBB, where Torre emphasized the need for discipline and officers physical fitness within the force.

Citing Republic Act 6975, also known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act, the police chief stressed that officers must maintain a weight not more or less than five kilograms from the standard based on their height, age, and sex.

While acknowledging that some officers may have medical conditions, he explained that two options are being considered — either discharge due to total disability or reassignment to administrative duties.

Consultations with the National Police Commission are underway to determine the best course of action.

The new fitness directive affects all officers across the ranks — from senior officials to patrol-level personnel.

According to PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Torre’s approach reflects the belief that a physically fit police force is a disciplined one.

“It is incumbent upon every police officer to maintain a physical appearance acceptable for a police officer,” she said.

Fajardo added that officers should begin monitoring their body mass index (BMI), but are free to choose their preferred fitness methods, especially those with health concerns.

“The directive does not dictate how you are going to lose weight, but of course, we will give considerations,” she concluded.

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